Gov. appoints officer to commissioner spot

December 17, 2013

HARRISBURG - Gov. Tom Corbett appointed veteran state police officer and Bellwood native Timothy Mercer to a deputy commissioner position, according to a release from the governor's office.

Mercer will serve as the deputy commissioner of administration and professional responsibility, according to the release, and the appointment was effective beginning on Nov. 13.

He most recently headed the State Police Bureau of Patrol in Harrisburg and has been stationed in Bedford and Hollidaysburg during his 25-year career with the state police. Mercer, 47, will also be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel with his new position, according to the release.

He will oversee a number of departments, including human resources, training and education, discipline and equal opportunity employment.

Corbett said in the release that Mercer will focus on working to add women and minority members.

Mercer "came very highly recommended" and that his work in Harrisburg made him the "perfect choice" for the post, according to the release.

Mercer first joined the state police in 1988, beginning with Troop S in Harrisburg.